Odor-Absorbing Pocket Liner

ABSTRACT

An odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items capable of storing and neutralizing odors emanating from pungent materials includes an elongated pouch, an odor-absorbing layer, and a sealing mechanism. The odor-absorbing pocket liner can be integrated or retrofitted to wearable items to provide a pocket for storing and isolating pungent materials. The elongated pouch encloses a storage compartment for storing and isolating the pungent materials. A rim terminally positioned on the elongated pouch perimetrically delineates an opening whereby the pungent materials are inserted into the storage compartment. The odor-absorbing layer is superimposed onto the inner surface of the storage compartment. As such, the odor-absorbing layer completely encloses the pungent materials and prevents odors from escaping the storage compartment. The sealing mechanism is connected around the rim to help seal the opening once the pungent materials are securely inserted into the storage compartment.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patentapplication Ser. No. 62/413,805 filed on Oct. 27, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a pocket with odor-absorbinglayer superimposed onto the interior surface of the pocket. Morespecifically, the pocket may be an elongated pouch sewn, stitched,adhered, or heat treated onto the exterior surface or interior surfaceof an existing garment or a wearable apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Millions of people suffer from debilitating illnesses and seek reliefthrough the use of medicinal herbs. These herbal products, and theapparatuses used for consumption, can emit pungent odors when carried ina person's pocket. At times, these odors are undesirable to the carrierand to those people surrounding the person emitting the odors. Furtherexacerbating the problem is the fact that users usually carry thesepungent materials on their person, in pockets and pouches of theirclothing or bags. These clothing items and bags are usually made ofair-permeable breathable items that not only allow undesirable odors toescape out of pockets, but in many cases, trap the odors within theclothing itself, which gives users an undesirable odor. Thus, a devicefor trapping the a portable, compact, storage compartment configured totrap undesirable odors is required.

Conventional garments are fashioned with a variety of pockets, pouches,and other storage compartments that allow users to carry small itemswhile going about their errands. These pockets are usually disposed oneasily accessible areas on the garment which makes them ideal fortemporarily carrying small items such as cell phones, wallets, keys,cosmetics, and other personal belongings. Conventional pockets areusually constructed out of a flap of fabric perimetrically stitched ontothe base garment or a pouch mounted onto a slit made into the garment.In most cases, the flap or the pouch is usually made of the same airpermeable and breathable materials material as the base garment, such ascotton, polyester, in rare cases silk. These materials are desirablesince they are soft to the touch and don't cause irritation when incontact with the skin of the user. However, the very same air-permeableand soft properties that make these materials suitable for use as agarment, makes them undesirable for use in construction of pockets. Morespecifically, these pockets are unable to prevent undesirable odors formpermeating the garment giving the garment and thus the user anundesirable odor.

The present invention solves this problem by providing a pocket linerfor absorbing undesirable odors emitted by the herbal materials beingstored in the pocket. As such, this absorbs odors emitted by the herbalproducts and prevents the user from smelling undesirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the elongated pouch.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the elongated pouch attached to the exteriorsurface of a piece of fabric belonging to a sweatshirt.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the elongated pouch attached to the interiorsurface of a piece of fabric belonging to a sweatshirt.

FIG. 4 is a detail view taken about circle 4 in FIG. 2 illustrating theelongated pouch being mounted on the exterior surface of the piece offabric.

FIG. 5 is a detail view taken about circle 5 in FIG. 3 illustrating theelongated pouch being mounted on the interior surface of the piece offabric.

FIG. 6 is a side cross section view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the elongated pouch with the sealingmechanism in the closed position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the elongated pouch with the sealingmechanism in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describingselected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limitthe scope of the present invention.

The present invention is an odor-absorbing pocket liner for storingpungent items and sealing odorous aromas within the pocket. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a pocket for storingpungent herbal medicines with an odor-absorbing liner material thatabsorbs odors emitted by herbal products and the apparatuses used toconsume them, integrated or retrofitted onto an existing garment,carrying case, or any wearable item. Referring now to FIG. 1, thepreferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongatedpouch 1, an odor-absorbing layer 2, and a sealing mechanism 3. Theelongated pouch 1 stores highly pungent materials and seals odorousaromas within the odor-absorbing layer 2. The elongated pouch 1 isdesigned to attach to the exterior of an existing garment. As such, theelongated pouch 1 acts as a pocket with an odor-absorbing compartment.Similarly, the elongated pouch 1 may also be mounted into the interiorsurface of a garment. An opening 14 in the garment, may be used toaccess the inside the elongated pouch 1.

In reference to FIG. 7, the elongated pouch 1 comprises an outer surface11, an inner surface 12, and a rim 13. The inner surface 12 delineates astorage compartment for storing the pungent materials. The storagecompartment may be a single storage compartment or may be divided into aplurality of sections separated by fabric partitions. The inner surface12 and the outer surface 11 join along the rim 13 of the elongated pouch1. As such, the rim 13 is terminally positioned on the elongated pouch1. An opening 14 of the elongated pouch 1 is perimetrically delineatedby the rim 13. The opening 14 of the elongated pouch allows access intothe storage compartment, whereby the user can retrieve the pungentmaterials being stored therein. The odor-absorbing layer 2 issuperimposed onto the inner surface 12 of the elongated pouch 1. Assuch, the storage compartment is completely covered with theodor-absorbing layer 2. If the storage compartment is divided into aplurality of sections, the fabric partition separating each section mayalso be covered with the odor-absorbing layer 2. This causes almost allthe odorous aromas to be absorbed directly into the odor-absorbing layer2. To prevent the remaining odorous aromas from escaping, the sealingmechanism 3 is connected around the rim 13. The sealing mechanism 3seals the opening 14, thereby trapping the odors inside the storagecompartment. This prevents odorous aromas from seeping out of theopening 14 once the opening 14 is closed.

As can be seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment of theelongated pouch 1 is made of a sewing-permissible material. Morespecifically, the sewing-permissible material may be a flexible fabricmaterial that prevents irritation when in contact with human skin. Theflexible fabric material permits the elongated pouch 1 to easily attachto an existing garment. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible fabricmaterial is stitched onto the exterior of the fabric using a thread andneedle. The flexible fabric material may be attached onto either theexterior surface of the garment or the interior surface, in contact withthe user's skin. Thus, the flexible fabric material must also be made ofa soft and air permeable material which does not cause irritation whenin contact with the user's skin. However, if the elongated pouch is tobe mounted to the exterior of the garment not in contact with the user'sskin, a rough durable material may be utilized.

Referring now to FIG. 6, since the odor-absorbing layer 2 is completelyencased within the elongated pouch 1, the odor-absorbing layer 2 doesnot need to be made of a soft and comfortable material. In the preferredembodiment, the odor-absorbing layer 2 is laminated, quilted, stitched,adhered, or similarly fastened onto the inner surface 12 of theelongated pouch 1. The preferred odor-absorbing layer 2 is made of amicroporous Activated Carbon (Charcoal) cloth with very low area densityin the order of 1000-2000 m²/g. This combined with the strongelectrostatic forces developed within the cloth enables the cloth to behighly efficient at absorbing vapors and solvents. The preferredproperties of the activated carbon cloth are herein disclosed:

Nominal properties of preferred ACC Version 1 Version 2 Surface densityg/m² 110 130 Carbon Tetrachloride activity, % ww 55-70 55-70 Airpermeability cm³/cm²/sec at 10 mm w. g. 75 75 Thickness (mm) 0.4 0.5

In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the odor-absorbinglayer 2 may be integrated into the elongated pouch 1 during thefabrication process. In this embodiment, the elongated pouch 1 may be alight weight polyester fabric and the odor-absorbing layer 2 comprisesactivated carbon fibers. The activated carbon fabrics are laminated ontothe polyester fabric using a polyamide coating. The preferred propertiesof the alternate embodiment of the activated carbon cloth are hereindisclosed:

Nominal properties of alternate ACC Version 1 Version 2 Surface Densityg/m² 90 180 Ethyl Acetate vapor uptake, % ww 55-70 55-70 Thickness (mm)0.5 1.5

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the odor-absorbinglayer 2 may be plasticized fabric bonded onto the interior surface ofthe elongated pouch 1.

As can be seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the reinforcement binding 4structurally reinforces the elongated pouch 1, allowing the elongatedpouch 1 to retain a generally polygonal shape. As such, thereinforcement binding 4 is perimetrically connected around the elongatedpouch 1. More specifically, the reinforcement binding 4 may be stitchedon or heat transferred onto the lateral edges of the elongated pouch 1.The preferred embodiment of sealing mechanism 3 is a zipper 31. Thezipper 31 comprises a slider 32, a first row of teeth 33, and a secondrow of teeth 34. The zipper 31 is mounted onto the rim 13 to selectiveseal the opening 14 of the elongated pouch 1. In particular, the firstrow of teeth 33 is connected along the rim 13. Similarly, the second rowof teeth 34 is connected along the rim 13 as well. The first row ofteeth 33 and the second row of teeth 34 are positioned opposite to eachother about the rim 13. The slider 32 is operative coupled in betweenthe first row of teeth 33 and the second row of teeth 34, wherein theslider 32 is used to attach and detach the first row of teeth 33 and thesecond row of teeth 34 from each other. More specifically, moving theslider 32 in a certain direction causes the first row of teeth 33 andthe second row of teeth 34 to interdigitate. Moving the slider 32 in theopposite direction, causes the first row of teeth 33 and the second rowof teeth 34 to separate. Alternately, the sealing mechanism 3 maycomprise any components that hermetically seals the opening 14. Forexample, the sealing mechanism 3 may comprise a plurality of buttonsmounted along the rim 13 and a flap mounted on the opposite side of therim 13. The flap may be fashioned with opening 14 s, each of whichaccept a button. The flap may thus be used to effectively seal theopening 14. In yet another embodiment, the rim 13 may be fashioned witha watertight zipper that closes and seals the storage compartment.

In reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the elongated pouch 1 may be mounted onto a piece offabric 5. The piece of fabric 5 may belong to a garment worn on theupper body, such as sweatshirt, jacket, shirt, vest, and the like, orgarment worn on the lower body such as pant, trouser, short, skirt, andthe like. The piece of fabric 5 may also belong to hats, shoes, scarves,or any garment that is worn on the body. Further, the piece of fabric 5may also belong to other wearable items such as backpacks, handbags,purses, carrying cases, and the like.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2, an attachment mechanism 6 is used toaffix the elongated pouch 1 onto the piece of fabric 5. The preferredattachment mechanism 6 may utilize stitches made with a needle and athread. Alternate attachment mechanisms 6 may utilize adhesives, heattransfers, or any other fabric bonding mechanisms employed in therelevant arts. The elongated pouch 1 is mounted onto the piece of fabric5 by the attachment mechanism 6. This allows the attachment mechanism 6to be peripherally positioned around the elongated pouch 1. Morespecifically, the elongated pouch 1 may be placed on top of the exteriorsurface of the piece of fabric 5. The edges of the elongated pouch 1contacting the piece of fabric 5 may then be stitched together with aneedle and thread. The elongated pouch 1 can thus be used as a pocketfor the piece of fabric 5.

Referring specifically to FIG. 3, in another embodiment, the piece offabric 5 may include a slit 7 that traverses through the piece of fabric5. The slit 7 allows the user to access the interior of the piece offabric 5 from the exterior. Preferably, the slit 7 may be an existingpocket-hole of a garment or may be fashioned into the piece of fabric 5.For example, a slit 7 may be fashioned by removing the interior fabricpouch of an existing pocket, leaving just the hole of the pocket.Similarly, the slit 7 may be fashioned by cutting a hole in the piece offabric 5. For example, a slit 7 may be cut onto the front surface of asweatshirt or a jacket. Once the slit 7 is created, the opening 14 ofthe elongated pouch 1 is aligned along the slit 7. This allows theelongated pouch 1 to be mounted onto the base fabric by the attachmentmechanism 6. More specifically, the attachment mechanism 6 isperipherally positioned around the rim 13. Thus, the rim 13 of the slit7 is stitched to the rim 13 of the elongated pouch 1. This alsopositions the sealing mechanism 3 in close reach of the user to easilyseal the storage compartment. In this case, the slit 7 is cut into thegarment, acts as a pocket whereby the user can access the storagecompartment.

As can be seen in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the preferred elongated pouch 1 isa rectangular shape. The rectangular shape reduces the number of seamswhile maximizing the internal volume of the storage compartment.Further, the ratio between a length and a width of the elongated pouch 1is 2:1. This reduces the depth of the storage compartment making it easyfor the user to retrieve items being stored therein. This alsodimensions the storage compartment to be easily fitted onto the piece offabric 5 belonging to a garment. However, in alternate embodiments ofthe present invention, the elongated pouch 1 may be any shape or sizethat suits the desired application. For example, the elongated pouch 1may be cuboid, circular, elliptical, cylindrical or any shape inbetween.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferredembodiment, it is to be understood that many other possiblemodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. An odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable towearable items comprises: an elongated pouch; an odor-absorbing layer; asealing mechanism; the elongated pouch comprises an outer surface, aninner surface, and a rim; the rim being terminally positioned on theelongated pouch; an opening of the elongated pouch being perimetricallydelineated by the rim; the odor-absorbing layer being superimposed ontothe inner surface; and the sealing mechanism being connected around therim.
 2. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable itemsas claimed in claim 1 comprises: a reinforcement binding; and thereinforcement binding being perimetric ally connected around theelongated pouch.
 3. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable towearable items as claimed in claim 1 comprises: wherein the sealingmechanism is a zipper; the zipper comprises a slider, a first row ofteeth, and a second row of teeth; the first row of teeth being connectedalong the rim; the second row of teeth being connected along the rim;the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth being positionedopposite to each other about the rim; and the slider being operativecoupled in between the first row of teeth and the second row of teeth,wherein the slider is used to attach and detach the first row of teethand the second row of teeth from each other.
 4. The odor-absorbingpocket liner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 1,wherein the elongated pouch is made of a sewing-permissible material. 5.The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the odor-absorbing layer is made of anactivated carbon cloth.
 6. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittableto wearable items as claimed in claim 1, wherein the odor-absorbinglayer is made of a plasticized fabric.
 7. The odor-absorbing pocketliner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 1 comprises: apiece of fabric; the attachment mechanism; the elongated pouch beingmounted onto the piece of fabric by the attachment mechanism; and theattachment mechanism being peripherally positioned around the elongatedpouch.
 8. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearableitems as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a piece of fabric; a slit; theattachment mechanism; the slit traversing through the piece of fabric;the opening being aligned along the slit; the elongated pouch beingmounted onto the piece of fabric by the attachment mechanism; and theattachment mechanism being peripherally positioned around the rim. 9.The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated pouch is a rectangular shape.10. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items asclaimed in claim 1, wherein a ratio between a length and a width of theelongated pouch is 2:1.
 11. The odor-absorbing pocket linerretrofittable to wearable items comprises: an elongated pouch; anodor-absorbing layer; a sealing mechanism; a reinforcement binding; apiece of fabric; the attachment mechanism; the elongated pouch comprisesan outer surface, an inner surface, and a rim; the rim being terminallypositioned on the elongated pouch; an opening of the elongated pouchbeing perimetrically delineated by the rim; the odor-absorbing layerbeing superimposed onto the inner surface; the sealing mechanism beingconnected around the rim; the reinforcement binding being perimetrically connected around the elongated pouch; the elongated pouch beingmounted onto the piece of fabric by the attachment mechanism; and theattachment mechanism being peripherally positioned around the elongatedpouch.
 12. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearableitems as claimed in claim 11, wherein the elongated pouch is made of asewing-permissible material, and wherein the odor-absorbing layer ismade of an activated carbon cloth.
 13. The odor-absorbing pocket linerretrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 11, wherein theelongated pouch is a rectangular shape.
 14. The odor-absorbing pocketliner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 11, wherein aratio between a length and a width of the elongated pouch is 2:1. 15.The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable itemscomprises: an elongated pouch; an odor-absorbing layer; a sealingmechanism; a reinforcement binding; a piece of fabric; a slit; theattachment mechanism; the elongated pouch comprises an outer surface, aninner surface, and a rim; the rim being terminally positioned on theelongated pouch; the reinforcement binding being perimetric allyconnected around the elongated pouch; an opening of the elongated pouchbeing perimetrically delineated by the rim; the odor-absorbing layerbeing superimposed onto the inner surface; the sealing mechanism beingconnected around the rim; the slit traversing through the piece offabric; the opening being aligned along the slit; the elongated pouchbeing mounted onto the piece of fabric by the attachment mechanism; andthe attachment mechanism being peripherally positioned around the rim.16. The odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items asclaimed in claim 15, wherein the elongated pouch is made of asewing-permissible material, and wherein the odor-absorbing layer ismade of a plasticized fabric.
 17. The odor-absorbing pocket linerretrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 15, wherein theelongated pouch is a rectangular shape.
 18. The odor-absorbing pocketliner retrofittable to wearable items as claimed in claim 15, wherein aratio between a length and a width of the elongated pouch is 2:1.